Ray Don Murphy

Ray “Don” Murphy, 90, passed away February 9, 2019. He was born to Rev. Ray and Rose Murphy on May 13, 1928 in Kansas City, KS. At the age of 2, his family moved to Marble, Colorado where his Father helped mine the marble used to create the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. When Don was 6, his father was ordained as a minister in the Assembly of God Church and in a few years the family moved to Toppenish, Washington. At age 18, Don enlisted in the US Army and was qualified as a marksman and received a World War II Victory medal.  He was stationed in Whittier, Alaska. After an honorable discharge from the Army in 1948, he worked at the Bunker Hill Silver Mine in Kellogg, Idaho until the miners went on strike. Don then came to Kansas to visit his Maternal Grandmother and Aunt and soon after, he met his wife Myrna when she tripped him at the skating rink. Don and Myrna were married on February 25, 1951. Don worked at Cessna Aircraft until his retirement in June of 1991. Don was beloved by his family, friends and all who knew him. He was a true gentleman with a gentle soul and a kind heart. He kept people laughing with his sense of humor and enjoyment of practical jokes, always with a twinkle in his eyes. He never met a stranger and his daughters called him Mr. Social. He loved his church, a sharp wardrobe, gospel quartets, exercise, keeping busy, Shocker basketball and K-State football where he watched his grandson, Brett, in the marching band. He enjoyed swimming and learned to snow ski in his seventies. But most of all, he loved his family. He was happiest when he was together with his wife, daughters, sons-in-law and grandsons celebrating holidays, commemorating milestones or vacationing together. Preceded in death by his parents, sisters Shirley Wilson, Wanda Murphy, and brother Sherman Murphy, Don is survived by his wife Myrna, daughters Raya (Michael) Zerger, Javon (Todd) Brunner, grandsons Brandon Brunner (Janelle Arita), Brett Brunner (Emily Ferlemann), Blake Brunner, brothers Norman Murphy, Arthur Murphy, and sister Donna Murphy. Visitation 6-8 pm, Thursday, February 14, 2019 at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Celebration of Life at Bethel Life Center Friday, February 15, 2019, 1 pm.